Cardinal to begin chemotherapy next week

August 28, 2012|By Manya Brachear | Tribune reporter

Cardinal Francis George will begin chemotherapy next week on the recommendation of his doctors at the Mayo Clinic and Loyola University Medical Center, according to a statement from the Archdiocese of Chicago today.

George, 75, who battled bladder cancer six years ago, learned two weeks ago that cancerous cells had been detected in his liver and kidney. In 2006, surgeons removed the cardinal's bladder, prostate and part of his right ureter.

Tests conducted in recent weeks have confirmed that a nodule removed from the cardinal’s liver contained cancerous cells, but there does not appear to be cancer in the liver now, the statement said.

While tests also confirmed that the right kidney contained cancer cells, additional testing did not conclude with certainty that there is cancer elsewhere in his body, the statement said. Cancerous cells in the bloodstream, however, are impossible to detect, the statement said.

Starting next week, the cardinal will undergo six sessions, each session running three weeks. Chemotherapy will be administered the first two weeks of each session and the third week, free of chemotherapy, will allow the immune system to recuperate, the statement said.

During the four-month course of treatment, George plans to maintain his regular work schedule and meet his daily obligation, though his public schedule will be reduced to accommodate a weakened immune system.